Somehow, 2017 is drawing to a close, so you might want to start thinking about 2018 updates for outdoor areas – they’re as important as your interiors, especially in a country blessed with such glorious weather.

To be on the front foot for landscaping do’s and don’ts, we spoke with Matt Leacy – TV presenter, as well as founder and creative director of award-winning Landart Landscapes – who has shared his landscape design trend forecasts for 2018.

What’s in? Texture, fire-pits, outdoor rooms, strip lighting, succulents, cactuses, and cloud and sphere pruned plants. And if you were thinking of using metal in place of timber for anything, then honey, you need to know that is so 2017.

The return of texture

“Texture in flooring is definitely coming back into vogue – and I see this becoming more popular in 2018,” says Leacy.

“For a while now, we’ve been in a bit of a minimalist period. And while I think that many consumers will continue to choose minimalist flooring – plenty of others will head to the other end of the spectrum and go very textural.”

This could involve different stones being used for flagging and cobbles to break up large areas, with exciting variations on porphyry, limestone and granite available.

Broken up paving. Image: Jason Busch / Landart Landscapes

Leacy sees consumers playing around with cobblestones, to create interesting mixes of linear lines with rounded shapes. He also believes there will be a shift away from larger format finishes in favour of textured smaller tiles.

No matter your choice though, Leacy is forecasting a polar divide: “Ultimately, I think we’ll see less consumers falling in the middle when it comes to flooring; they’ll either go minimalist or textured.”

Timber is a classic and concrete is here to stay

Leacy thinks Timber will remain a turn-to. “It can fit into any design aesthetic and can be left to weather and silver, or be kept vibrant and fresh depending on people’s taste and the time they have for maintenance.”

Timber decking. Image: Jason Busch / Landart Landscapes

A big trend driver in 2017, concrete is one finish that’s sticking around.

“We’ll also start to see more raw and finished concrete being used both in and out of the pool, on seating, BBQs and general flooring,” says Matt.

Fire up the pit

Usually a mainstay of design from the northern hemisphere, fire pits are gaining momentum in Australia. In fact, Leacy believes they’ll reach “peak popularity” in 2018.

If you’re looking to renovate to sell, maybe consider adding this as a feature in your back yard.

A fire pit bowl. Image: Jason Busch / Landart Landscapes

“Traditionally, fire pits weren’t used by that many people, however, they’re increasingly being seen by homeowners as an essential – and an expectation.”

Leacy thinks consumers are yet to realise the range on the market, as well as the different price points.

“You’ve got built-in fire pits which can also function as coffee tables or you’ve got more basic iron and steel bowls.”

Fire pits aren’t just a fleeting trend, either. Leacys predicts that “fire pits will be a trend that sticks around; they can be super stylish and multifunctional – and they’re a great way to generate outdoor heat, light and ambience, while saving on electricity.”

“They basically keep you out in the garden chatting with friends and family instead of retreating indoors.”

The continued rise of outdoor rooms

A good outdoor room will mirror the functionality of traditionally indoor spaces, and Leacy sees this type of space picking up steam in 2018.

“Outdoor kitchens, daybeds, outdoor showers, sunken lounges, comfy outdoor furniture – they’ve all become an expectation rather than a luxury in many of the markets we’re working in,” says Leacy.

Outdoor kitchen. Image: Jason Busch / Landart Landscapes

It should be a big consideration if you’re looking to sell.

“We’ll likely see more vendors installing outdoor room elements pre-sale to maximise property price as well as property developers installing them at the build stage,” explains Leacy.

But it’s not all trendy desert dwellers. “I think we’ll also see some old classics featured more in 2018,” adds Matt.

Leacy’s talking old-school cloud and sphere-pruned plants, which are a favourite of his. “They have been around for centuries, and we have been using them for many years and can see them growing in popularity. They go well in most styles of gardens.”

Leave this in 2017

“What we should say goodbye to in 2018 is metal imitating timber,” says Matt, who lists the main offenders as front boundary fences where metal slats or pickets are used.

“Metal is metal and timber is timber; it never works when you try to pass one off as the other.”